FUT Hair Transplant

Overview of FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

This kind of hair transplant procedure involves the harvest of hair follicle units which are extracted from naturally occurring groups. Such follicle units are excised from a strip of donor scalp, which is located at the back of the scalp. Each follicular unit is then removed for transplantation. Harvesting quality follicles is the keyword which makes the process successful. The procedure is also known as 'strip extraction procedure'. Having been accepted commonly by patients requiring hair transplants, the process helps in filling up of thinning areas of the scalp. Incisions are carefully made so that, scars are not quite visible after re-growth of hair. The donor strip selection is done carefully so that it remains small enough to concealed. The process initiates follicular unit extraction as a distinct anatomic and physiologic entity. But, the entire hair follicle gets preserved during the graft dissection. This in turn maximizes growth. In FUT, after hair hairs are usually removed in single strips. It allows stereo-microscopic dissection which promotes minimal damage. The process remains highly in demand as it minimizes damage to the scalp. With the ease of surgical planning the entire process is much in demand as it gives a natural outlook once hair is transplanted.

Procedure of FUT Hair Transplant

1 A narrow strip containing the hairs to be transplanted are removed. The small scar left behind is covered by the existing hair.

2 Under a microscope each hair from the removed strip is harvested for transplanting.

3 Pin sized holes are made to the destination areas of the head and the harvested hairs are planted.

FUT as the name suggests is a hair restoration technique, which uses natural hair grafts. These hair grafts are usually available in groups of 1 – 4 respectively, and are better known as follicular units. Such units also contain sebaceous (oil) glands, nerves, a small muscle, and occasional fine vellus hairs. During the process of Follicular Unit Transplantation these small units allow the surgeon to safely transplant thousands of grafts in a single session. Thus, the cosmetic impact of the procedure is maximized to a large extent. FUT is much of an advanced technique, when compared to older hair transplantation mechanisms. The process comes with minimal flaws and thus is acceptable to a wide level of target audience. Major advantage of the process is that it minimizes the trauma produced on the scalp as a result of the surgery.

Disadvantages of FUT Hair Transplant

Compared to follicular unit extraction (FUE), there are several disadvantages of FUT hair transplant. Major risks involved are from scarring while patients remain worried about a longer period of recovery. Major disadvantages of the FUT hair transplant technique are as given:

The FUT technique often leaves a linear scar at the donor site.

Additional FUT treatments can result in stretching of the scalp. This can trigger the appearance of a linear scar.

FUT involves a strip removal technique which is quite invasive. This has a longer recovery period as it associates with the built-up of scar.

Patients undergoing the FUT process should ideally avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks to be followed.